Carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention include a carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides. The elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top. Also present may be a handle element. In addition, aspects of the invention include methods of using the subject apparatus to transport elongated sports equipment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 (e), this application claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/774,457 filed on Feb. 17, 2006; the disclosure of which priority application is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Elongated sports equipment such as skis and ski poles, snowboards, hunting equipment, e.g., rifles, fishing poles, surfboards, croquet sets and the like can be difficult to transport from one location to another. For example, a set of skis and ski poles is made of four different elongated items, where the poles have different lengths than the skis, and carrying them together for any distance, e.g., from a parking lot to a ski lift, can be awkward. Furthermore, carrying two or more different sets of skis and poles together compounds the problem. While a number of different sports equipment carrying devices have been developed, there is continued interest in the development of improved devices for carrying such equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention include a carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides. The elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top. Also present may be a handle element. In addition, aspects of the invention include methods of using the subject apparatus to transport elongated sports equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides a view of a ski carrier not loaded with skis according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 provides a view of the ski carrier shown in FIG. 1 where a pair of skis has been placed in the carrier but the carrier has not yet been closed;

FIG. 3 provides a view of the ski carrier shown in FIG. 2 where the carrier has been closed and is held in a fastened position by hook and loop fasteners; and

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention include a carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment. In certain embodiments, the apparatus is an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides. The elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top. Also present may be a handle element. In addition, aspects of the invention include methods of using the subject apparatus to transport elongated sports equipment.

Before the present invention is further described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.

Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.

As summarized above, the subject invention provides elongated sports equipment carriers and methods for using the same. In further describing the subject invention, embodiments of the carrier are reviewed first in greater detail, followed by review of methods of using the subject carriers and a description of kits of the invention.

As summarized above, the invention provides carriers for elongated sports equipment. By carrier is meant a bag device that can be used to hold elongated sports equipment and convey the elongated sports equipment from a first to a second location, e.g., during transport of the elongated sports equipment from a first to a second location. Aspects of the invention include an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides, where the elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top. As the elongated structures define a partially enclosed volume which is open to the environment at its top and first end, elongated sports equipment can be readily placed into the structure. Aspects of the carrier include the closed second end, which defines a pocket structure for one end of the elongated sports equipment. The dimensions of the elongated sports equipment carriers of the invention may vary depending on the particular type of sports equipment for which the carrier is designed. In certain embodiments, the length of the carrier is two or more times longer than the width, such as three or more times longer than the width, etc. In certain embodiments, the length of the carrier is 1 to 6 feet, such as 1 to 5 feet, including 1 to 4 feet, 1 to 3 feet and 1 to 2 feet.

Also present on the elongated structures is a handle element secured to an outer surface of the carrier. The handle element may take a variety of formats, where in certain embodiments it is a strap attached to the outer surface of the carrier at a first end and a second end, such as in the form of a shoulder strap which can be employed to secure the bag over the shoulder or crosswise over a torso during use, e.g., analogous to how a messenger bag is worn. In addition to a main handle element, the carrier may include or more additional smaller handle elements, e.g., straps, placed at various locations, e.g., for versatility.

The carrier may be fabricated from any convenient material. Embodiments the invention feature a carrier that is fabricated from a flexible material, where the material may be woven or non-woven, as desired. Materials of interest include, but are not limited to: plastic, nylon, polypropylene, canvas, fabric, or other similar materials that can withstand natural elements and the terrain and substances normally encountered when using the sports equipment for which the carrier is designed.

In certain embodiments, certain regions of the carrier may be stronger than others, e.g., may be re-enforced, such as by having two layers of the same material, having a different, stronger material, etc. For example, in certain embodiments the bottom end of the carrier, e.g., which may be in the form of a pouch, may be re-enforced with two layers of the carrier material, or it may be fabricated of a stronger material than the other portions of the carrier, such that it is stronger than the bottom and sides of said elongated structure. By stronger is meant that it can withstand more applied stress without compromising, e.g., tearing, than other portions of the carrier.

Aspects of the invention further include securing elements for fastening the first and second sides to each other when the carrier is loaded with elongated sports equipment, such that a loaded carrier structure is produced that is open only at the top end. Any convenient securing element that is capable of securely fastening the first and second sides to each other to further enclose the initial partially enclosed volume of the carrier may be employed. Securing elements of interest include, but are not limited to: hook and loop (e.g., Velcro®) devices, zippers, buttons, compression snaps, clips, etc.

The securing elements are associated with a side of the carrier. A securing element is considered to be associated with a given side of the carrier if it is proximal to the side. In certain embodiments, a securing element is considered to be proximal to a side if it is no more than about 6 inches from the side, such as no more than about 3 inches from the side, including no more than about 2 inches or even 1 inch from the side, e.g., no more than about 0.5 inches from the side, including immediately at the side.

In certain embodiments, the bag includes one or more flexible tabs as securing elements, where the tabs are permanently affixed to one side of the structure, e.g., on the outer surface, and releasably attachable to the other side of the carrier. For example, the releasable end of the tab may secure to the corresponding outer surface of the carrier by a hook and loop securing structure, a clip structure, compression snap, tie, etc.

In certain embodiments, the carrier may include one or more internal securing elements. An internal securing element is an element that serves to secure elongate sports equipment in the carrier when the equipment is placed in the carrier, and even before the carrier is closed, e.g., by using the external securing structures described above. The internal securing element may be take any convenient format, e.g., straps, etc., such as the securing elements described above. In certain embodiments, the carrier includes one or more internal securing loops that are made of elastic and expand to easily accommodate any size and amount of equipment, and then contract to secure the equipment in the carrier. The internal securing element(s), when present, may be positioned at any location in the carrier, e.g., the top, bottom, middle, or two or more locations, e.g., the top and bottom, top, middle and bottom, etc.

In certain embodiments, the carrier may include one or more pockets or analogous holding elements for holding accessories. The holding elements may be configured to hold a variety of different elements, such as accessories for use with the elongated sports equipment that is present in the carrier, e.g., like goggles, lip balm, gloves, sunscreen, snacks, pool chalk, boxes of ammunition, bait, croquet balls, etc. The carriers may have one or more such holding elements (e.g., pockets), such as two or more, three or more, five or more, 10 or more, 15 or more, etc. The holding elements may be positions at any convenient location, e.g., inside and/or outside of the carrier.

In certain embodiments, the carrier is collapsible such that it can be folded when not in use to a structure that is only a fraction (such as ¼,⅛, 1/10 etc.) of the size of the unfolded structure, e.g., for easy carrying. In certain embodiments, the carrier includes an integrated pouch into which the collapsed carrier may be placed for easy transport.

The carrier may be configured to carry a variety of different types of elongated sports equipment. Elongated sports equipment is any sports equipment that longer than it is wide, e.g., by a factor or 5 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, etc. Elongated sports equipment of interest includes, but is not limited to: snow sports equipment items, such as snow boards, skis and ski poles, etc., hunting equipment items, such as rifles, archery gear, etc.; fishing equipment items, such as fishing poles, harpoons, etc.; billiard equipment items, e.g., pool cues, etc.; lawn sports equipment items, e.g., croquet mallets; golf equipment items, e.g., golf clubs, etc;

Aspects of the subject carriers having been described in general terms, an embodiment of the subject carriers is now reviewed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The elongated sports equipment carrier shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 is configured for carrying skis and ski poles. FIG. 1 provides a view of carrier for skis which is in the opened position and not yet loaded with a pair of skis. In the ski carrier shown in FIG. 1, carrier 10 is in open position and defines a partially enclosed volume bounded by bottom 12, first side 14, bottom side 13 and bottom 15. Bottom 15 is fabricated from a reinforced material is therefore stronger than the material that makes up bottom 12 and sides 13 and 14. Also shown is open end 16. As bottom end 15 is closed, it forms a pouch or pocket at the bottom of the carrier. As such, in the open position the carrier elements define a partially enclosed volume that includes an open end and an open top, and is bounded by first and second sides, a bottom and a closed end. Also shown in the device depicted in FIG. 1 are fasteners 17 and 18 which are in the form of hook and loop (Velcro) tabs. In addition, handle 19 in the form of a shoulder strap is also shown.

FIG. 2 provides a view of the carrier shown in FIG. 1 loaded with a pair of skis 20. As can be seen in FIG. 2, skis 20 are placed on the bottom 12 of carrier 10 with the back end of the skis fit into bottom 15 and enclosed in the pocket of end 15.

FIG. 3 provides a view of the carrier of FIG. 2 which is closed so that carrier 10 can be slung over the shoulder using strap 19 for easy transport of the skis 20 loaded in the carrier from one location to another. As can be seen in FIG. 3, sides 13 and 14 are held close to each other by tab fasteners 17 and 18 to close the top of the carrier. In this configuration, the carrier is almost fully enclosed, but for the open end 16 out of which the front of skis 20 extend.

Methods

As indicated above, the subject carriers find use in the transport of elongated sports equipment. In using the subject carriers, the elongated sports equipment is placed into the carrier when the carrier is in an open position, e.g., where the first and second sides are not held together by a fastening element. Where present, the sports equipment may be secured inside the carrier with the internal securing elements. For example, where the carrier includes a top and bottom internal elastic loop, the equipment may be slid into the elastic loops when expanded, e.g., by holding them out with a finger, and the elastic loops may be released to allow them to conform to the equipment and secure the equipment in the carrier. Following placement of the elongated sports equipment into the carrier, the first and second sides are brought together and held together by one or more fastening elements. A user then holds the carrier by the handle, e.g., by slinging the carrier over a shoulder where the handle is a shoulder strap, while transporting the carrier and elongated sports equipment held therein from a first location to a second location, e.g., from a parking lot to a sports venue, such as a ski slope, sports field, etc.

The subject carriers can be used to transport a variety of different types of elongated sports equipment. Elongated sports equipment of interest includes, but is not limited to: snow sports equipment, e.g., skis, ski poles, snow boards, etc.; hunting equipment, e.g., rifles, archery equipment; stick team sports equipment, e.g., ice hockey sticks, field hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, cricket equipment, baseball bats, etc.; fishing equipment, e.g., fishing poles; croquet mallets; and the like.

Kitts

Aspects of the invention also include kits that include carriers and other components for using the carriers. In certain embodiments, the carriers may include a pouch into which the carrier can be placed (e.g., in a folded or collapsed position) when the carrier is not in use. The pouch may be attached to the carrier, e.g., where the carrier can be folded into an integrated pouch, or separated from the carrier.

In addition to above-mentioned components, the subject kits typically further include instructions for using the subject carriers. The instructions are generally recorded on a suitable recording medium. For example, the instructions may be printed on a substrate, such as paper or plastic, etc. As such, the instructions may be present in the kits as a package insert, in the labeling of the container of the kit or components thereof (i.e., associated with the packaging or subpackaging) etc. In other embodiments, the instructions are present as an electronic storage data file present on a suitable computer readable storage medium, e.g. CD-ROM, diskette, etc. In yet other embodiments, the actual instructions are not present in the kit, but means for obtaining the instructions from a remote source, e.g. Via the internet, are provided. An example of this embodiment is a kit that includes a web address where the instructions can be viewed and/or from which the instructions can be downloaded. As with the instructions, this means for obtaining the instructions is recorded on a suitable substrate.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The invention now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A carrier for transporting elongated sports equipment, said carrier comprising: a) an elongated structure defining a partially enclosed volume that is bounded on its bottom and first and second sides, wherein said elongated structure is further defined by having an open first end, a closed second end and an open top; and b) a handle element.
 2. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein said elongated structure is flexible.
 3. The carrier according to claim 2, wherein said elongated structure is fabricated from a woven material.
 4. The carrier according to claim 2, wherein said elongated structure is fabricated from a non-woven material.
 5. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein said closed end is stronger than said bottom and sides of said elongated structure.
 6. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein said elongated structure further comprises a securing element for securing said first side to said second side to close said open top.
 7. The carrier according to claim 6, wherein said securing element comprises a flexible tab.
 8. The carrier according to claim 7, wherein securing element further comprises a hook and loop securing structure.
 9. The carrier according to claim 6, wherein said securing element comprises a zipper.
 10. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein said handle comprises a strap.
 11. The carrier according to claim 10, wherein said strap is configured to a shoulder strap.
 12. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein said elongated structure is collapsible.
 13. The carrier according to claim 1, further comprising an elongated sports equipment item.
 14. The carrier according to claim 13, wherein said sports equipment item is a snow sports equipment item.
 15. The carrier according to claim 14, wherein said snow sports equipment item is chosen from a snow board, skis and ski poles. 16-19. (canceled)
 20. The carrier according to claim 1, wherein said elongated structure has a length that is at least twice as long as its width.
 21. (canceled)
 22. A method of transporting elongated sports equipment, said method comprising: placing said elongated sports equipment into a carrier according to claim 1; and transporting said elongated sports equipment by using said handle element.
 23. The method according to claim 22, wherein said method further comprises securing said first side to said second side after said placing to close said top of said carrier.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein said using act comprises placing said handle over a shoulder of human.
 25. A kit comprising: a carrier according to claim 1; and a pouch for holding said carrier when in a collapsed configuration. 26-27. (canceled) 